Geek out: Geek Retreat to close, owners to launch new indie gaming venue

Why it matters: The café has been one of Ipswich town centre's most distinctive independent businesses, running as the only alcohol-free venue open until 22:00 and building a loyal community around trading card games, tabletop nights and inclusive events. Its closure marks the end of the Geek Retreat franchise in Ipswich, though the team behind it is staying on under a new name.

The details: Sharon and Rob Lockhart, who have run Geek Retreat Ipswich for more than five years, announced the closure on LinkedIn. A new independent venue, Mulligan Game Cafe, will open in its place on 3 August under a different business model.

• Sharon said the business had "agreed a positive transition with Geek Retreat" and wished "all of the ongoing franchisees every success for the future."
• She confirmed she remains the owner of Lockhart Leisure Ipswich, the company behind the new venue, with managers running the day-to-day business.
• "The things our customers love most – gaming, events, community and friendships – aren't going anywhere," she said.

What they're saying: In a farewell message to customers, Sharon reflected on the venue's impact since taking on the keys more than five years ago.

"Geek Retreat was never just our shop – it belonged to everyone who walked through those doors. Thank you for making it the community it became," she said.

She recalled watching "babies grow up," welcoming "the first Geek baby" and celebrating two weddings at the venue, adding: "I know this place has changed my life – not just because of the people I've met, but because of the way I see the world."

Quoting a former member of staff, she said: "It's how the world should be on the outside."

Sharon also paid tribute to current and former staff, naming early team members Gary, Shorts and the "Bens", and the current team – Kaori, Baz, Dean, Luke, Kay, Wolfie and Adv, who she said has "been with us since day one." She thanked Rob for his behind-the-scenes work keeping the business running.

For context: Geek Retreat Ipswich opened on Upper Brook Street in October 2021 after Sharon and Rob saw a BBC article about the franchise and decided to bring it to Ipswich. The venue grew into a hub for trading card games including Pokémon, Magic the Gathering and One Piece, alongside a weekly crochet club, craft fairs and a full café menu.

Geek Retreat: The purple and yellow shop where nobody plays alone

Geek Retreat Ipswich is a trading card game shop and cafe that has diverse income streams, a committed community, and an inclusive approach that has created a very special atmosphere.

Ipswich.co.ukAmy Wragg

Earlier this year, the business achieved a Net Promoter Score of +97 in a national survey – its highest ever customer satisfaction rating – and was named a finalist in the 2025 Small Business Awards, with public voting open until 1 October.

What's next: Mulligan Game Cafe, described by Sharon as "a bit of Canada in Ipswich," opens on Upper Brook Street on 3 August.

The bottom line: After five years of building what customers describe as a "safe space" and an extended family, Geek Retreat Ipswich is closing its doors – but under new ownership rules and a new name, the team and community behind it plan to carry on just streets away.

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